RItrain-DIGIT · Advancing Digital Competencies in European Research Infrastructures

Research Infrastructures (RIs) in all scientific domains face an urgent challenge: how to operate effectively in an increasingly complex and fragmented digital landscape while budgets and human resources remain constrained. The rapid growth of data volumes, the diversity of compute and storage offerings, and the emergence of new paradigms such as AI/ML, federated access, and digital sovereignty create both opportunities and obstacles. Without coordinated support, many RIs struggle to identify the most relevant digital services, access them under diverse policies, and integrate them into sustainable data analysis operations.RItrain-DIGIT addresses this challenge by uniting digital research infrastructures with thematic RIs across domains in a dedicated DIGIT skill development project. Its long-term vision is a European research ecosystem where RIs can confidently navigate the digital landscape, make informed choices about service adoption, and deliver high-quality, FAIR, and interoperable platforms to their users. The project will implement a comprehensive Training Programme structured into Learning Pathways covering HPC and cloud systems, AI and data techniques, federated access, and IT service management. It will also launch a Mobility Programme to support staff exchanges, enabling knowledge transfer and collaboration across institutions, countries and domains. Building on the EGI e-infrastructure and PRACE ESFRI Landmark of national compute providers, and in close collaboration with other European digital initiatives, RItrain-DIGIT ensures that RI staff gain a holistic understanding of the wider compute and data ecosystem. By combining training, mobility, and continuous feedback, the project builds sustainable competences, reduces fragmentation, and strengthens the capacity of RIs to contribute to Europe’s digital transformation.